Looking For You All My Life Part 100

walk you through. Naturally, it's the only one of its kind,

well-constructed, immaculate, and decorated to the nines in

Ralph Lauren's cla.s.siest southwest decor. Of course, it's right

on the golf course, and we usually invite you to sit on the

deck for plenty of drinks and appetizers-the royal treat-

ment. Then we show you maps of the property, and a

schmaltzy video showing the other phases-rather parts of

the other phases. We usually know exactly which lot we

want to sell, and we tell you that we have this really special

lot-the only one of its kind-and only available because

someone died or something dramatic like that."

"And do people buy it?"

June nodded sadly. "Many of them have had a few too

many drinks by then, and they're caught up in all the

glamour. We help them to imagine themselves suddenly

living out their fantasies of the lifestyle of the rich and

famous. In other words, they buy in haste and repent in

leisure."

"Is anyone happy here?"

"Oh, some might actually be happy, but they're the ones

who have money to burn. And, of course, they all live in

Phase One. We'll drive through that first. We can stop at the

model home if you like."

"Let's do that. It might be effective for me to get the

whole 'royal treatment' as you put it."

158Melody Carlson

June laughed. "Maybe I should sell you a lot while I'm at

it too.

"Actually, I'd probably make a likely victim. I bought a

house sight unseen last year-not the smartest thing I've

done in my life. It could've turned into a real nightmare but,

fortunately, it's been more like a dream come true." Maggie

told her about Clyde selling his house to her as they drove

through Phase One. "This looks quite nice in here," she

observed. The houses were large and impressive with well-

watered and immaculate lawns.

"Yes. Unfortunately these are the minority of home-

owners in Desert Winds. But they have paid dearly for these

showplaces. Everything done Out here on the desert is highly

inflated-nothing comes cheap, except for the quality of

workmans.h.i.+p and materials, that is. Of course, some things

will only show up over time. These homes are only a year, or

two at the most, old. But my guess is that in five years they

will be having some major problems."

"Are you saying that even the best homes aren't well

built?"

"They cut lots of corners, have very low building stan-

dards, and often use inferior materials."

Maggie jotted all this down. Then they toured the model

home, and she was honestly impressed by its open, flowing

design and expensive decor. With cla.s.sical music piped into